Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
Different ways in which cases are identified and classified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medical care or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects is prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In some instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy like the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).
Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. They can be identified by an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented with the help of a specialist, such as PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities.
Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they require additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can be used to identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be detected by a doctor during pregnancy, during birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for specific health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.
It's not always easy to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes,
oklahoma birth defect law firm defects are the result because a physician failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these situations, a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a suspected birth defect are based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some defects can be addressed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.
Many of the most common
Whitefish bay birth defect law firm defects are chromosomal. resulting from missing or
Birth defect extra genes in a person's cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These are typically caused by issues with the development of the baby's body organs, especially in the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if signs begin to show. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular condition.
Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.
Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can focus on your child and your family.
We can assist you in obtaining compensation for your losses, which could include past and future medical costs loss of income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.
Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and warn consumers of potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.